Lance Lewin
About the Image(s)
The weathered interior of this (and most older) "Rickhouses" really attracts me, and others who enjoyed this lovely tour at one of the many Bourbon distilleries in Bardstown, Ky. (I asked permission to stay in this area for a few minutes after the tour ended).
Also, a perfect subject/lighting to record on film ... as such, this was exposed on Eastman Double-X/5222 B&W film using a fixed Rokkor-X 24mm lens.
I hope you are able to enjoy some connection or appreciation for the space ... dark, damp (or hot and humid) with one's nose always teased by aging/spilled bourbon.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
13 comments posted
Elsie Allen
Lance, this image really draws me in. The crossbar in the foreground makes me want to duck my head!
My only suggestion is the highlights appear a bit blown out. Is that intentional?   Posted: 10/03/2024 00:15:31
My only suggestion is the highlights appear a bit blown out. Is that intentional?   Posted: 10/03/2024 00:15:31
Lance Lewin
Yes, Elsie, the tantalizing highlights are a favorite aesthetic ... or perhaps, visual anomaly(?) ... offered through film. Trying to squelch the highlights will effectively take away a key component that invites the viewer to peer longer into this part of the Rickhouse.
I want the viewer to squint, when looking at this scene.
Yes, indeed, duck or you will smack your head on that beam: the the beam framing is key in inviting depth, and both the foreground barrel and the beam balance each other.
Thank you for the thought-provoking question.   Posted: 10/03/2024 02:34:09
I want the viewer to squint, when looking at this scene.
Yes, indeed, duck or you will smack your head on that beam: the the beam framing is key in inviting depth, and both the foreground barrel and the beam balance each other.
Thank you for the thought-provoking question.   Posted: 10/03/2024 02:34:09
Michael Hrankowski
Lance - an engaging image especially in light of the fact that I registered a similar one just yesterday at the Glenfarclas Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland! Good compositional technique with leading lines that draw my eye and invite me to explore the extent of the warehouse (with maybe a few samplings along the way?). The use of film definitely gives the image a more traditional, soft and grainy appearance that is quite suitable for the subject at hand. Well conceived and presented!   Posted: 10/03/2024 19:37:14
Lance Lewin
I look forward to seeing your like-image in the near future!
Cheers!   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:22:21
Cheers!   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:22:21
Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
(Group 32)
Very instructive discussion, especially about the highlights. My test is satisfied, I want to keep looking at this photograph again and again.   Posted: 10/06/2024 17:58:28
Lance Lewin
It is always nice to have you visit, Stephen! I too, like the highlights in the composition ... we can say, perhaps, are key components in making the scene feel authentic!   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:34:26
Michel Biedermann
Lance - WOW, I love this picture. The leading lines of the floor, the wire netting, and the wall on the left obviously draw me in. However there is also a compositional clash with the round barrels and spots of light. As you pointed out, this picture begged to be taken on film and the noise and light spilling from the windows likely would look very differently ("cleaner", "artificial" on a digital original). I would not be surprised if I turned over your printed picture and saw that it was taken almost 100 years ago during the prohibition. Credit to you for making me believe in this story!   Posted: 10/08/2024 16:57:08
Lance Lewin
Another interesting observation, and if we dwell on those circles of light for very long I can see where it (may) disrupt the natural progression I hope each viewer takes in enjoying the scene.
But even after reading your warning, I still do not feel this artifact (the two or three light spots) on the floor interfere with the images Gestalt.
Again, they are natural artifacts seen in real-time and outside of slightly Burning them, I intend to leave them relaxing where they lay.   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:31:33
But even after reading your warning, I still do not feel this artifact (the two or three light spots) on the floor interfere with the images Gestalt.
Again, they are natural artifacts seen in real-time and outside of slightly Burning them, I intend to leave them relaxing where they lay.   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:31:33
Don Chen
Yes, a very engaging image as Michael mentioned above. Looking at the photo on full screen, I feel like I am standing right there. Love it.   Posted: 10/13/2024 12:25:05
Lance Lewin
... then the composition is doing what I hoped it would!
Thank you, Don!   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:23:07
Thank you, Don!   Posted: 10/18/2024 15:23:07
Adi Ben-Senior
Very nicely done Lance. If I were to make one comment it would be reduce the gamut on the darker side of the curve. Fading to flat black so quick forces the eye to concentrate on the foreground which is the opposite of-the compositional intention.   Posted: 10/13/2024 17:13:25
Lance Lewin
Hi Adi! An interesting observation, indeed, but not accurate as it relates to where I hope the viewer looks: I hope the viewer eventually looks everywhere, but need them to contemplate the foreground before continuing to infinity. As in real-time, the scene is bold and led my eyes in such a path. In the end, after experiencing the images Gestalt, I would hope the viewer can trace back over all areas and look for details ...
... but the images initial power is in its Gestalt.
  Posted: 10/18/2024 15:21:24
... but the images initial power is in its Gestalt.
  Posted: 10/18/2024 15:21:24
Adi Ben-Senior
I fear you will get the opposite result from your intention but may be wrong.   Posted: 10/18/2024 23:25:50